Claret SUD

Claret SUD is a thermal and soaring site north of Montpellier, France, known as a good spot for long evening soaring sessions when the sea breeze sets in. There are two takeoff options: a larger one facing south to southeast, and a smaller alternative that works when the wind swings to south-southwest. About 30 km from Montpellier via Quissac and Saint-Mathieu, the site sits near the village of Claret; from the parking area off the unpaved Chemin de Passarilla, it's a signposted 15-to-20-minute walk to launch — and since August 2022 that walk is mandatory, because the access track itself is now restricted to authorized vehicles only while a paraglider-access agreement is worked out. Airspace is capped at 2,000 feet here, under the Montpellier TMA, so keep your altitude in check throughout the flight. The landing zone is small, and top-landing back at launch is the standard technique for tandem flights. West to northwest wind is the wildcard to watch: it can rise suddenly and get strong, even on a day that otherwise looks set up for this south-facing site.

Launch & conditions

Two takeoff options: a larger one facing S-SE, and a smaller one for S-SW wind. About a 15-20 minute walk from the parking area.

Getting there & local rules

About 30 km north of Montpellier via Quissac and Saint-Mathieu, near Claret village; park off the unpaved Chemin de Passarilla. Since August 2022 the access track has been restricted to authorized vehicles only, so the walk-up to launch is mandatory.

Local rules & hazards

Airspace here is capped at 2,000 feet under the Montpellier TMA — do not fly above that. West to northwest wind can rise suddenly and get strong, so keep watching it even if the forecast direction favors this south-facing site.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Claret SUD, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Claret SUD with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.